Omni Reference Plates: Overview

Reference plates are large bases with a square set of holes on a 3” grid specifically designed to hold Omni’s standard Base Platforms and XTR Bases.

The Reference hole pattern holds any combination of standard S75 Platforms and multiple Reference Plates can be joined to form large base base systems of almost any size. Reference Plates are generally used as horizontal bases or vertical walls but there are methods to construct variable angle surfaces. Reference Plates provide the means to repeatably place and remove fixture assemblies for fast changeover tooling. Reference Plates are used for large parts like body, instrument and door panels, full auto bodies or frames, exhaust systems, window glass and other large rigid or flexible parts.

Reference Frame

Reference Frame

Reference Frame

Reference Plates/Wall

Reference Plates/Wall

Omni Reference Plate: Applications

Exhaust:The headers and sidepipes are from a small custom manufacturer of exhaust systems. The headers are for a replica of the Ford GT40, the sidepipes are for a Cobra replica. Both systems are held on Omni Reference Plates (36” sq. and 30”x60”) and a combination of XTR Bases, Caps & tubes and S75 Base Platforms & components.

Bumper Fixture:The plastic bumper fascia is held on basic datum features and other points to assure conformance to body. The 30”x60” Reference plate, XTR Base, Cap & tubes and S75 components complete the fixture. This is also a good example of Omni’s Datum Tooling Station (DTS) concept that allows the individual assemblies to be placed and removed as necessary.

Automotive Floorpan:Four 36” square Reference plates were mounted on a 72” square rolling base to hold the SUV floorpan. The XTR Bases, Caps and tubes secure S75 location and clamping components. There are also sliding and sprung tapered location pieces to provide the required datum locations. The fixture held three configurations of the floorpan (two shown). Changeover was completed in minutes; some of the differences are shown in the two views.

Appliance:This one is both a gauge and a CMM fixture. The Reference Plate holds S75 6"x12" Base Platforms & 3"x6" XTR Bases and 6" square XTR Bases, XTR 3" square tubes and S75 components. The sliding gauge plates are set with length masters and the vertical locators are set with precision squares. This gauge provides the width variation and parallel & perpendicular orientation for CMM measurement.

Fender:An XTR table supports a 30”x60” Reference Plate. XTR is then used to build the fixture's support structure. As in the previous examples S75 components provide the location and clamping.

Closing thoughtsAs can be seen in the examples above the individual Omni Series of components all work to support and enhance the other Series of components. Reference Plates hold XTR but can also be held by XTR. S75 components are often used alone but help to complete the fixtures started with XTR. Omni’s Datum Tooling Station (DTS) concept applies with all and identifies sub-assemblies that are placed or removed as necessary to more efficiently build fixtures that are easily changed or reconfigured.

Omni Reference Plate: Components

Note: Reference Plates are built to order.

Primary Size

Potential multi-plate constructed sizes, there are other combinations

24" x 24"

24" x 48"

24" x 72"

48" x 48"

30" x 30"

30" x 60"

30" x 90"

60" x 60"

36" x 36"

36" x 72"

72" x 72"

72" x 108"

12" x 24"

12" x 48"

36" x 24"

15" x 30"

15" x 60"

30" x 45"

30" x 60"

18" x 36"

18" x 72"

36" x 36"

36" x 72"

30" x 60"

60" x 60"

30" x 120"

60" x 90"

60" x 300"

Alignment / Connection Bars

1.50 x 24

1.50 x 30

Reference Plates are always built in 3” increments. The design places a row of tooling holes at the edge to match up with another plate forming a continuous tooling surface.